Apache Reports Fire on GOM Platform

Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA) reported a fire aboard its East Cameron (EC) 2 processing platform, in La. state waters of the Gulf of Mexico about two miles off the coast of Cameron Parish.

The three personnel on the platform, all Island Operating employees, evacuated the platform and were rescued. They were all transferred to the hospital where Frank Richard, 34, of Mowata, La., died. The other two employees are being assessed. Island Operating provides contract operating services for Apache and other companies in the Gulf.

Apache has shut in the wells that flow to the processing facilities on the EC2 platform. All production operations have been secured, and the fire has been extinguished. Production processed at the platform totals approximately 7.7 million cubic feet of gas and 850 barrels of oil per day.

Apache dispatched helicopters to fly over the location and believes environmental impact to be minimal. Apache has activated its emergency response plan, and the company is coordinating with governmental agencies and mobilizing response teams and equipment.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Louisiana State Police have been notified.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Richard's family," said Jon Jeppesen, Apache's executive vice president - Gulf Coast Region. "Our priority at this time is to minimize any environmental impact from the incident. After that has been accomplished, and conditions permit safely boarding the platform, we will investigate to determine the cause of the fire."

Apache Corporation is an oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Canada, Egypt, the United Kingdom North Sea, Australia and Argentina.